Field Evaluation of the Dilemma Zone Protection System at Suburban Intersections

Abstract

Despite the fact that both traffic researchers and highway agencies have devoted considerable efforts over the past few decades to improving intersection safety, development of effective strategies to contend with this vital issue remains a challenging task. This research presents the field evaluation results of a Dilemma Zone Protection System (DZPS) implemented at two hazardous intersections in Maryland, U.S.A. The deployed DZPS can offer both proactive and reactive protections to drivers approaching a signalized intersection during a yellow phase. Field evaluations conducted at two intersections with DZPS deployed confirmed a 100% detection rate for red-light-running vehicles, timely activation of the all-red extension to prevent right-angle crashes, and effectively discouraging drivers from taking aggressive “pass” decisions during the yellow or all-red phases. The potential extension of the DZPS for speed harmonization on arterial traffic flows is also discussed.